NEUST COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND LGU PALAYAN CITY COLLABORATE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

By: NEUST

On December 9, 2024, representatives from the College of Education (COED) engaged in a formal meeting with officials from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Palayan City to establish a partnership aimed at advancing inclusive education and addressing the needs of marginalized sectors in the community.

The COED delegation, led by Dr. Mariel R. Tapadera, Chairperson of the Research, Extension, and Training Office, and alongside Dr. Andrea P. Adigue, Dr. Donna D. De Guzman, Dr. Faith M. Cuevo, Dr. Christopher G. Francisco, and Dr. Luijim S. Jose, the Extension Coordinators for the BEEd, BSNEd, and BSEd programs respectively, met with Ma’am Mariateresa Ramos, Head of the LGU-Palayan City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Benzar Jude M. Cristobal, Head of the LGU-Palayan Youth Development Office.

The meeting centered on COED’s proposed initiative to establish an Inclusive Learning Center under the Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd) program. This center is envisioned as a resource for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), children with special needs, and their families. Additionally, the initiative aligns with the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) program’s broader extension agenda, which seeks to deliver community-oriented services to underserved populations in Palayan City.

During the deliberations, Ma’am Ramos and Mr. Cristobal shared critical insights and relevant data regarding the socio-economic conditions and specific needs of the community. These contributions were instrumental in refining the proposed plans and identifying potential areas for collaboration, including resource-sharing and logistical support from the LGU.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to proceed with the needs assessment and a commitment to future engagements to finalize the establishment of the Inclusive Learning Center and other COED extension initiatives.

This partnership between NEUST-COED and the LGU-Palayan City underscores a mutual dedication to fostering inclusive education and community development. Through these collaborative efforts, both institutions aim to create impactful and sustainable that will significantly enhance the quality of life for the marginalized sectors of Palayan City.